§ MR. GRANTHAMasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he has considered the question of expense to which Militia Artillery Officers will be put by the changing the silver lace at present worn by them to gold lace; and, if so, whether he will allow them such sum as will recoup them for the expense to which they will be put?
§ VISCOUNT EMLYNalso asked, Whether the Secretary of State for War will lay on the Table or state to the House the estimated expense to officers of each rank in each branch of the Militia in consequence of the new Regulations as to change of uniform, lace facings, or accoutrements; and, if he will state to the House the reasons for restricting any allowance to certain regiments, and not making a proportionate allowance to all?
§ MR. CHILDERSI believe that I have already, in this and last Session, answered these Questions four or five times; but out of respect for the noble Lord and the hon. and learned Member I will ask the House to allow me to repeat that as the change, which was strongly urged on us by Militia officers, from silver to gold lace need not be carried out until the present uniforms require replacing, I could not with propriety burden the public with any allowances to these officers. Where the change has been compulsory an allowance has been made which I am satisfied is a fair one, and provision for this will appear in due course in the Estimates. There are no Papers which it would be of any practical use to lay on the Table.
EARL PERCYasked whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that some colonels of Militia had given orders to their officers to change their uniforms at once?
§ MR. CHILDERSIf that is the case it has not been reported to me, and it has been done without authority.